An Interview with Mubarak

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A. If the Israelis think deeply and wisely, they could live in peace with other Arab countries. If they are practical, they will find a way to solve the Palestinian problem. If the Palestinians are given their rights and Israel stops being obstinate, the Israeli people will have much to gain.

Q. President Sadat expelled the Soviet ambassador in 1981. What is the future of Egyptian relations with the Soviet Union?

A. We have no interest in neglecting the Soviet Union. The time will come, maybe in a year or less, when we will exchange ambassadors. But this will not affect our special relations with the U.S. Take India, for example. India has special relations with the Soviets, yet it also has normal relations with the U.S.

Q. What kind of additional aid do you want from the U.S.?

A. The U.S. is doing the maximum in the area of military aid now. But we must strengthen our armed forces, especially our air defenses, with missile systems and fighter planes. We don't know what is going to happen on our western border [with Libya], and the Iran-Iraq war is a problem for the whole area. On economic aid, we would like as much flexibility [as the Israelis have with U.S. aid] in how we use it.

Q. How do you account for the growth of Muslim fundamentalism in Egypt?

A. Economic problems may be part of the reason for it here, but it is a trend all over the Muslim world. In Egypt we know exactly how to tackle this problem. We are explaining to all the people what Islam is and the difference between the extremists' view and the real Islam. Islam is something good.

Q. How can you reduce subsidies of food and fuel prices, which consume so much of the government budget?

A. The subsidies program is a sensitive issue because it touches the standard of living of the people. We are going to find a way, perhaps by next year, but we have to be very careful.

Q. How would you describe your essential style of leadership?

A. In Egypt the people have been used to electric shocks, but that time has passed. I could give the people very good speeches, but I am not that type of man. I like to work quietly. The people want to eat, they want housing and water. I could easily provide some kind of anesthesia for the people, but I'm a man for long-term policies, not for electric shocks.